Shoosmiths introduces £200 levy for lawyers who fly to meetings

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Leading law firm Shoosmiths has imposed a £200 levy for lawyers who choose to travel by plane for work.  

The levy was introduced by Shoosmiths in an attempt to reduce the carbon footprint of the firm, which has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2025, according to The Times. The money generated from the new levy will be paid into a designated carbon fund to help towards the firm’s net-zero target. Penalties for flying will not be paid directly by lawyers but will instead be taken from the firm’s practice and travel budget, however Shoosmiths confirmed all offences will be documented and reviewed. 

A spokesperson for Shoosmiths said the policy wasn’t aimed at completely stopping lawyers flying for business “but to ensure our people stop and think about whether they need to”. 

Shoosmiths also released an official statement explain that it’s “committed to protecting the environment by demonstrating high standards of environmental responsibility in all our operations and minimising the environmental impacts associated with our activities, products and services”.  

Shoosmiths isn’t the only firm that’s set ambitious environmental goals. A number of other notable law firms have committed to achieving net-zero emissions, including magic circle firms Allen & Overy LLP, Linklaters LLP, and Slaughter and May.  

Despite these commitments lawyers have been critical of firms’ environmental policies, and insisted the legal profession is simply not doing enough. In September, 150 UK lawyers signed an open letter accusing many of the UK’s leading firms of “greenwashing” for publicly declaring sustainable practices while representing fossil fuel companies and major polluters.